All Forum Posts by: Jeremy Bowen

As a therapist I've seen this a lot, I'd say inspire the guy through your actions and happiness. Folks often fall into lifestyles and habits that bring them peace and comfort. They become content with their situation. You've been inspired yourself to pursue greatness by something or someone. I'd hesitate to tell anyone cut off friends, but there are cases where that would be very necessary.  To inspire him you'd need proximity. Unfortunately the likelihood he will latch on is not good, but you never know. As was hinted before (very good insight btw) you are in control of you. The only person stopping you from anything is you, and the only person making the choice to light up is him. Most folks I've worked with truly hate that they have such desires to use, even something like pot. That's where you can be an example of the alternative choice to be productive. If he doesn't follow...well, that's on him, not you. You'll do what's right I'm sure, just keep a safe distance...like two magnets, close enough to feel the connection, but not so close you get pulled back into that lifestyle.

Thanks a lot Jim!  I will certainly do this.

Thank you my friend! To you as well.

Hello to all!  I'm new to BP, and was turned on to the community by a couple investor friends. I'm a clinical social worker/therapist by license/training, MBA student (OU in Athens, OH ), spent 10 years in the US Army, and spent all 10 of those years studying real estate investing but never taking action. I've already made a RE mistake when I purchased a vacant lot next to my home with the intent on combining the deeds and improving my property value...analyze the deal right? I fell in love with the idea of having a big landscaped yard, but it's a empty lot that needs mowing twice a week. There's a lot of variables, but basically I'm trying to sell the lot and will likely take a lose, but it's not making me money.

I have an interest in lease/options and buy/hold, with long-term plans of having a comfortable portfolio.  I've been looking into vacation rentals as well, but I have A LOT more research to do. The coming weeks will involve meeting with an attorney, CPA (hopefully), some mortgage brokers, etc. mostly for guidance and to better understand processes (as I'm a systems oriented guy). I appreciate all who take time to read this!

-Jeremy